Arcetri Astrophysical Observatory

Research on the LOCAL UNIVERSE

Galaxy evolution is occurring at the present epoch in the Local Universe, through gas accretion and gas consumption via star formation, or through passive evolution. Evolutionary processes can be studied in nearby galaxies with a detail that high-redshift objects do not allow. We rely on a multiwavelength approach and comparison with theoretical predictions; special attention is given to the interstellar medium of star-forming and quiescent galaxies and how its properties vary with galaxy mass, metallicity, and environment. The ultimate aim is to exploit studies of nearby galaxies in the cosmological context to better understand how galaxies form and evolve. Specifically, our group is engaged in studies of: